Amazon avoids much of that with guaranteed delivery to its lockers, often housed in locations operating 24 hours a day.

WSJ: Amazon's New Secret Weapon: Delivery Lockers

If ordered by December 3, the glove is guaranteed delivery by Christmas.

FORBES: Louisville Slugger Has A Gem With New myEvolution Custom Glove

The average size of parcels sent from business to business is also growing, as global firms increasingly depend on speedy supply, and guaranteed delivery times, of parts and supplies.

ECONOMIST: Global express-package companies

Ford stockholders overwhelmingly sought to tender 1.0 billion shares, or just under half of the 2.1 billion outstanding shares, of common stock, including 240.5 million tendered by notices of guaranteed delivery.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Delivery firms can save lots of money by sending a batch of parcels to a single place, where delivery is guaranteed, so they are naturally keen to provide the service.

ECONOMIST: Package pick-up services are set to prosper

In these cases, ground delivery may be guaranteed overnight, and is generally cheaper than second-day air.

FORBES: 5 Logistics And Shipping Mistakes Small Businesses Make